C. Kole - Böcker

The sunflower has fascinated mankind for centuries. The oilseed sunflower contributes approximately ten percent of the world’s plant-derived edible oil and the confection type sunflower holds a considerable share of the directly consumed snacks market. In addition, sunflower is also grown as an ornamental for cut flowers, as well as in home gardens. We are now embarking on the age of genomics which will expedite the process of genetic improvement of crops. There has been an explosion of information on genetic markers, DNA sequences, and genomic resources for most major food crops including sunflower. This volume is intended to bridge traditional research with modern molecular investigations on sunflower.

Genome of an organism is depicted by genetic linkage mapping and physical mapping. Genome mapping stated with genetic linkage mapping and contributed enormously in genome analysis and its improvement. Physical mapping emerged later and is the prelude to structural and functional genomics. Volume One of Principles and Practices of Plant Genomics introduces the historical background of genome mapping, and delineates modern methods in the field. This volume briefly introduces the historical background and overview on genome mapping. Chapters deliberating on different types of molecular markers, their detection, relative merits, shortcomings and applications; types of mapping populations, methods of their generation, applications; basic concepts and schematic depiction of construction of genetic linkage maps; concepts and strategies of mapping genes controlling qualitative and quantitative traits on framework genetic linkage maps; rationale, methodologies and implications of comparative mapping; principles, strategies, and outcome of map-based cloning; overviews on the recent advances on plant genomics and genome initiatives; and finally computer strategies and software.

In the second volume of this three-volume series, leading researchers in genomics and agriculure present a general discussion on the fundamentals of molecular breeding and applications of molecular markers for germplasm characterization, They investigate basic concepts and the application of molecular mapping and breeding to create improved yield and quality, as well as desired related component traits; limiting biotic and abiotic stresses; and improving physiological traits of economic importance.